Georgina... A community located on the southeastern shores of Lake Simcoe, north of the Greater Toronto Area. Georgina, although known better by some of its individual communities, is actually a collection of many communities such as Keswick, Jackson's Point, Pefferlaw, Port Bolster, Sutton, Udora and many more. Georgina, known as the "Ice Fishing Capital of Canada" is also home to some great year-around fishing and boating opportunities, numerous beaches, parks, regional forests, marinas, harbours, the historic Red Barn Theatre, The Briars resort, and over 32 miles of lake side scenery. Keswick, the largest of Georgina's communities, has qualities of both urban services and a 'cottage country' type atmosphere. There has been much redevelopment in the town recently and a doubling in population over the past 10 years, bringing with it an increase in neighborhood services. On the other hand, Keswick's outskirts proudly show its rural character with its cash crop farming and other successful businesses relating to the agricultural industry. The Keswick Marsh (part of the world-known Holland Marsh) produces much vegetable crop that is shipped throughout Canada and abroad. Beside the Keswick Marsh on the shores of Cook's Bay, is a fish sanctuary and spawning bed. The Village of Sutton, although now a modern, growing town, is full of Georgina's history, joins with Jackson's Point and is close to the beaches of Lake Simcoe. Jackson's Point, a popular spot for lake lovers, comes alive in the summer with its small boutiques, street vendors and live music -- a definite 'must see' for residents and visitors to the Georgina area. Sutton is home to Sibbald Point Provincial Park, which has over 3000 feet of prime lakeshore and a popular camping location. Pefferlaw is another reflection of Georgina's rural character. Although going through a growing spurt, there is still much 'open' space in Pefferlaw, clearly showing its charm and country atmosphere. The beach communities, Virginia Beach and Duclos Point, are to the north of Pefferlaw. Georgina Island (which overlooks these beach communities) along with Fox and Snake Islands in Cooks Bay, are all home to the Chippawa First Nation of Georgina. A ferry provides transportation to residents and visitors in the summer. I've only touched upon a few communities that make up Georgina. There are many other towns such as Baldwin, Belhaven, Egypt, Island Grove, Roches Point….... to name a few that has its own uniqueness and history to speak of. One must take the time to visit and seek out the wonderful qualities of Georgina living. All the amenities of urban life coupled with the charm of rural life make Georgina THE place to live, work, and play. Come join us! East Gwillimbury... The Town of East Gwillimbury is made up of essentially five areas: Holland Landing, Queensville, Sharon, River Drive Park, and Mount Albert. Situated about 32KM north of Metro Toronto, East Gwillimbury has a variety of lifestyle living from fully serviced urban areas, partially serviced suburban areas, estate residential subdivisions, rural hamlets, and beautiful farmlands. Although East Gwillimbury is a quickly growing urban area, early settlement dates back to the late 1700's with early settlers being United Empire Loyalists and Quakers. There are still many attractive historic buildings still around today that adds to the charm of this town. Of course, its ideal location and lifestyle diversity makes East Gwillimbury a great spot for businesses as well as a pleasant place to live and raise a family. Originally a canoe launching place for native Indians, Holland Landing is ideally situated off Yonge Street about half way between Newmarket and Bradford. With the activity from Yonge Street, Holland River, and the building of a new railroad, Holland Landing has been growing since the 1830's. Today, Holland Landing is an ideal area for those seeking affordable homes, is close to the heart of Newmarket shopping, and just a hop-skip-and-jump southwestward from Yonge Street to the GTA area. Originally known as Hackett's Corners, Queensville developed with the Quakers, from the community of Sharon, spreading northward alone "Queen Street", one of the chosen routes to Lake Simcoe, which is now known as Leslie Street. Queensville is mainly a beautiful rural area of East Gwillimbury with vast farmlands and charming country living. United Empire Loyalists & Quakers were enticed to the Sharon area by the 200-acre land grants given in the early 1800's. Originally named "Hope", Sharon is the home to the Sharon Temple, a national Historic site and museum that was built in the 1820's for a religious sect called The Children of Peace. The grounds of the temple are also the location of about a dozen other historical buildings. Today, Sharon is the area of choice for many people who want the closeness of urban services (Newmarket) and the country-like feel with its many estate-type properties. River Drive Park is an area just north of Queensville Sideroad close to Holland River. A fairly new area established in the early to mid 1950's that boasted mainly cottages. Of course, this beautiful 'haven' has taken on a new look with the upgrading of these cottages and landscaped gardens. As this area develops, it is becoming a place for those seeking a quiet/peaceful lifestyle. Settlement to Mount Albert originally began in 1821 with a few Quakers. Situated on a hill, the settlers very quickly cleared away the bush for more settlement and widened the Algonquin Indian trail to become what's now known as Centre Road. In the beginning, Mount Albert mainly consisted of farms and a few houses; however, by the 1850's it grew to boast many more houses along with mills, a tannery, churches, schools, shops, and hotels. Today, Mount Albert is rapidly growing with several residential subdivisions, businesses, and rural farming areas. Located off Highway 48, Mount Albert is ideal for those seeking affordable property north of Eastern GTA and Northwest of Durham region. |